The villain you love to hate struck again on Friday night, and this time, it was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning literally taking a licking.
If you haven’t heard by now, Bruins super pest Brad Marchand added to his licking list of players when he stuck his tongue out and made contact with Callahan’s mustache and lip at 18:39 of the second period. This wasn't a little lick on the cheek, either, Marchand actually licked right above his mouth and upper lip.
The Bolts went on to win the game 4-3 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, but after the game, all the post-game discussions were centered around Marchand licking Callahan. Callahan, who finished the game with two shots, four hits and two blocks, was front and centre with the media explaining his perspective of what happended.
"I don't know what the difference is in that and spitting in somebody's face," Callahan said. "It's unfortunate that he goes to that level to do that. But it doesn't take us off our game."
This isn’t the first time the “Little Ball of Hate” Marchand has struck. Back in the first round against the Leafs, Marchand swabbing habit was brought to the spotlight when he decided to taste Leo Komarov’s face after smooching him back in Novemeber.
Prior to the start of the Bruins and Bolts series, Callahan was actually asked about Marchand’s licking and kissing habits, and what would happen if this occurred to him.
The Bolts could get the last laugh and licking when the head back down to Tampa to try and close out the series on Sunday afternoon. As far as disciplinary action, maybe Marchand's next victim can take a tactic out of Craig McTavish’s playbook if he ever tries to do this again.
This could all be avoided if the NHL decides to take action, of course, but hey, suspensions and fines never seem to stop Marchand from carrying out his antics.
